|
By: Tim Donaldson
Hatfield-McCoy Trails – Buffalo Mountain
(Part of
ATVSource.com’s Feature Coverage of the
Hatfield-McCoy Trails)
Are you a Redneck? Comedian, Jeff Foxworthy
says that a Redneck is someone possessing a
“glorious lack of sophistication.” Yet, the
origins of the word are rooted in the historic
events that transpired in the coal-mining
community of Matewan, West Virginia. As
exploitation of the local coal-mining labor
forces escalated, Sid Hatfield–Police Chief of
Matewan and sympathizer of the United Mine
Workers of America (UMWA)–confronted and killed
company-paid detectives that were hired to
discourage coal miners from joining unionization
efforts. The event became known as the Battle of
Matewan and the Matewan Massacre. Shortly
thereafter, Sid Hatfield was murdered in
reprisal, and the crime went unpunished.
In the days following the murder, enraged
coal miners gathered in reported strengths of
15,000 and began marching towards Logan County
with intents to establish unions by force. The
rallying miners tied red handkerchiefs around
their necks to distinguish themselves from the
opposing forces, resulting in the
moniker–Rednecks. With the arrival of federal
troops and after both sides had suffered many
deaths and casualties, the Rednecks retreated to
their homes. Called the Battle of Blair
Mountain, the uprising was the largest,
organized conflict in American labor history and
eventually led to many of the labor laws that
are in place today.
These events occurred in the communities that
directly surround the Buffalo Mountain Trail
System. Commonly known as being the most
historic of all the Hatfield-McCoy Trail
Systems, the Buffalo Mountain Trail System has
three community connectors which situate ATV
enthusiasts in the middle of this notable
territory. The towns of Williamson, Delbarton,
and Matewan allow riders legal access to each
community’s amenities. Whether looking for fuel,
food, lodging, or just wishing to browse through
a historic coal-mining district, OHVers will
find everything they need and more. Once on the
Buffalo Mountain Trail System, riders can easily
spend the day journeying the trails from one
community connector to another–exploring the
history of each area.
The trails at Buffalo Mountain are also known
for having the most single-track mileage at 12.5
miles. With 70 total trail miles available at
Buffalo Mountain, that’s 18% available for
two-wheeled riders. Rounding out the remainder
of the trail breakdowns are 38.5 miles green
(easiest), 9 miles blue (more difficult), 7.6
miles black (difficult), and 1.5 miles red/black
(extreme difficult). While these trails do offer
a high percentage of easy trails, there are
plenty of challenges to test expert riders with
the extreme difficult sections–especially some
of the single-track segments.
The vistas at the Buffalo Mountain Trail
System are quite remarkable. The topography of
the trail system gives riders plenty of
opportunities to sit perched on an overlook to
admire the surrounding landscapes. It is amazing
to note that, at one time, most of the area was
mined and the residual effects are almost
unrecognizable today. Aside from the small smoke
billows that remain from still burning,
underground coal-mining fires, Mother Nature has
successfully replenished the foliage. The warmth
from these fires can even be felt near the
outlet shafts, as the fires have been burning
for years and years. Bill Reed, Marketing
Specialist for the Hatfield McCoy Trails, likes
to say that Buffalo Mountain is the real
“Burning Rock” of West Virginia.
As we have learned by exploring the
Hatfield-McCoy Trail Systems, each has its own
diverse and unique personality. ATV riding at
Hatfield-McCoy’s Buffalo Mountain Trail system
is truly a step back in time. While enthusiasts
will love the challenges of the trails, just
simply sitting on an adjacent hillside, looking
over the city of Matewan, is like looking at a
vintage post card from 90 years ago. The people
in the surrounding communities of the Buffalo
Mountain Trail System are extremely friendly,
welcoming, and knowledgeable of local history.
It is humbling when considering the tumultuous
and beleaguered past that has had such an impact
on life and industry as we know it today in
America.
Live a piece of history by visiting the
Buffalo Mountain Trail System, and improve your
sophistication by really knowing about Rednecks.
You won’t be disappointed by the trails or
scenery, ether. Don’t forget, a 2009
Hatfield-McCoy Trail Permit allows visitors the
opportunity to go to each of the
Hatfield-McCoy’s six trail systems, not just
Buffalo Mountain. For 2009, Hatfield-McCoy Trail
permits are $26.50 (WV residents) and $50.00
(non-WV residents) and are good for the entire
year. Each trail system is located within easy
driving distance from one another.
Stay tuned to ATVSource.com, as we continue
our in-depth coverage of the individual trail
systems that make up the Hatfield-McCoy Trails!
For more information about the Buffalo Mountain
Trail System and the Hatfield-McCoy Trails,
visit
www.trailsheaven.com.
Historic accounts referred to in this article
were retrieved from (Battle of Blair Mountain.
(2009, February 28). In Wikipedia, the Free
Encyclopedia.).
|
